There’s Nothing Like a Wood-Burning Fireplace: We Can Install & Service Yours

How Do I Properly Maintain My Wood-Burning Fireplace?

Proper maintenance of your wood-burning fireplace is crucial for both the safety of your household and the system’s overall efficiency levels. So… what should you be doing on a regular basis to ensure all stays working well and in tip-top shape?

• Book regular cleanings and chimney inspections. Schedule an annual chimney inspection before each burn season to check for creosote buildup, blockages, and any potential issues. A professional chimney technician cansweep the chimney if necessary.
• Keep an open eye for cracks and damage. Inspect the firebrick lining and the walls of the firebox for any cracks or damage – and invest in repair or replacement parts (with a professional) promptly to maintain the structural integrity of the chimney and fireplace.
• Make sure to have proper ventilation. Ensure that the damper is functioning correctly to control airflow, and have a professional check that the flue is cleared at least once a year. Proper ventilation helps in efficient burning and reduces the risk of smoke entering your home.
• Only burn seasoned firewood. Burn well-seasoned hardwoods, as they produce less creosote and more heat. Seasoned wood has a lower moisture content, leading to a cleaner and better burn.
• Clear the area around your hearth. Keep the area around the fireplace clear of combustible materials, furniture, and decorations. This helps prevent accidental fires and ensures proper airflow.
• Properly dispose of fireplace ash, as needed. Dispose of ashes in a metal container with a tight-fitting lid, and place it outside away from the house. Never dispose of hot ashes in a plastic container or near combustible materials. (Leaving a thin layer of ash behind during your burn season is good practice.)
• Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines. Always adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines and recommendations for your specific fireplace model. This includes maintenance procedures, warranty requirements, and any safety precautions.

What Type of Wood Is Best for a Fireplace?

If your home has a wood-burning fireplace, then you know that there’s nothing quite like cozying up next to a roaring fire on a chilly evening. But what type of wood should you burn to get the best experience? Not all wood logs are created equal, and choosing the right type of wood can make a big difference in the heat output, burn time, and the overall ambiance of your fires.

Why? In short, if you’re using the wrong type of wood or logs that are unseasoned, your fire won’t burn as efficiently and your system may be more prone to buildup. Fortunately, we have a solid guide for you to ensure your wood-burning experience is as top-notch as possible.

Hardwoods

Hardwoods are excellent choices for firewood. They’re dense, which means they burn hotter and longer than softwoods. They also tend to produce less smoke and creosote buildup in your chimney, which is better for your home’s air quality and reduces the risk of chimney fires. Some of the best hardwoods for burning include:

• Oak: Oak is a popular choice for firewood because it burns hot and long. It’s also readily available in most areas.
• Maple: Maple burns hot and has a pleasant aroma, making it a favorite among many homeowners.
• Hickory: Hickory is a popular choice for smoking meats, but it also makes great firewood. It burns hot and slow, and produces a pleasant aroma.

Fruitwoods

Fruitwoods, like applewood and cherrywood, are also great options for firewood. They burn similarly to hardwoods and produce a pleasant aroma that can add to the ambiance of your fire. Just be aware that fruitwoods can be more expensive and harder to come by than some other types of firewood.

• Apple: Apple is a hardwood that is very good for heating. It burns slowly, puts off high heat levels, and smells great. That said, sometimes applewood is known to spit a bit, or even sparkle, while burning. It’s important to note that applewood requires at least a couple of years of seasoning to burn optimally.
• Cherry: Many firewood users rate cherry as low quality, mainly because it spits when burning. If seasoned correctly, though, cherry is a good hardwood for wood heat. It burns medium to slow, puts off a reasonable amount of heat, and, best of all, it smells delightful.

Softwoods

Softwoods, like pine and spruce, are often readily available and cheaper than hardwoods or fruitwoods, but they’re not always the best choice for a fireplace. Why? Because they burn quickly, and they produce more smoke and creosote buildup, which can be harmful to your chimney and your health. 

That said, when burned correctly, they can be used. Sometimes, people will start with softwoods to get a fire going, then switch to hardwoods for the rest of the evening. Some of the best softwoods for burning include:

• Pine: Pine is a popular choice for firewood because it’s readily available and easy to split. It burns fast and produces a pleasant aroma.
• Cedar: Cedar is a fragrant wood that burns hot and produces a pleasant aroma. It’s a good choice for kindling.
• Spruce: Spruce is a softwood that burns fast and produces a lot of heat. It’s a good choice for starting fires.

Is your firewood seasoned?

No matter what type of wood you choose, it’s important to make sure it’s properly seasoned before you burn it. Seasoned wood has been allowed to dry out for at least six months to a year, which reduces its moisture content and makes it burn more efficiently. Freshly cut or “green” wood contains too much moisture and can be difficult to ignite, produce a lot of smoke, and burn inefficiently. All of this increases creosote buildup and can warrant the need for chimney repairs later on.

No matter what type of wood you choose, it’s important to make sure it’s properly seasoned before you burn it.

Questions? We’re here for you. Call or start scheduling your appointment online now.

Tips for Choosing a Fireplace Service Provider

So, you’ve entered “chimney sweep near me” in the search bar, and you’re scrolling through your chimney company options in the Nashville area, wondering how to tell which is better than all the rest. What factors should you be considering when making your decision? We’ve got tips.

1. Look for experience and expertise. Look for a team that has been in the business for a while and has experience dealing with all kinds of issues. A tech that has years of hands-on experience and specialized training will know how to best address any and all of your problems.
2. Ask about certifications. The chimney industry has a few big organizations that offer quality (and nationally recognized) training for sweeps. The company you hire should take advantage of these training and educational opportunities. So, look for certifications, licenses, and memberships.
3. Check for insurance and warranties. Accidents can happen, even with the most experienced professionals. Make sure that the company or contractor you choose has liability insurance and offers warranties on their workmanship and materials.
4. Ask about services and pricing. Different companies may offer different types of services, such as inspections, cleaning, repairs, or installations. Be clear about what you need and ask for a detailed quote that includes all costs and fees upfront.
5. Review their reviews. It’s easier than ever nowadays to see how others in your community fared with the company you’re interested in hiring. Check out reviews and testimonials to ensure you’ll get the best care possible.

When you call our friendly staff at Ashbusters Chimney Service, you can count on being able to reach someone who can tell you all about our experience, certifications, insurance, licenses, and what services we offer – as well as our price ranges.

Call us now or start scheduling with us online – we’d love to hear from you.

How Often Should I Have My Fireplace Inspected?

The go-to answer? Get inspections booked annually, then more if you use your fireplace often. This is based off of recommendations from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), so it’s definitely good advice to heed. Why are annual inspections so important? Because they help to prevent dangerous chimney fires, carbon monoxide poisoning, smoke back-up, and more – as well as detect damage early to avoid larger repair costs.

What can I expect during my fireplace inspection?

A professional inspector should be…

• examining the interior and exterior of your chimney and fireplace
• looking for signs of damage, deterioration, buildup, or other issues
• using specialized tools and cameras to get a closer look
• always treating you and your home with care, professionalism, and respect

Reach Out Today

Have more questions? Call our experts at 615-459-2546 today. Or you can schedule an appointment by contacting us online – and be sure to check out our tips for scheduling too. We’d love to hear from you!

 

Want your existing fireplace to be more efficient? A wood insert may be the perfect solution!